2020 Annual Report matter godsend record time great understanding respect jobs listen legal aid help service voice attorney amazing lawyer experience relief great

Our Mission LASC provides civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness legal aid help and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty.

Cover photos: Education Client Phuorever Reed (top left) Reed’s mother, Shanntina Wilson, (at left) confers with LASC attorney Karin Nordstrom. (top right) Wage Garnishment Client Cindy Kimbler (bottom left) Board of Trustees While 2020 was a tough year, we have never been prouder of our staff and the work they Janica A. Pierce Tucker, Esq., Chair do on behalf of central Ohio low-income families and individuals. When the pandemic hit, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LASC continued serving our clients without interruption despite the shift to more remote work. We were able to get materials online quickly, share with community partners, and David Alexander, Esq. Philip R. Moots, Esq. stay current regarding the many changes to programs and laws regarding COVID-19. Squire Patton Boggs Newhouse Prophater Kolman & Hogan Thomas J. Bonasera, Esq. Shawn J. Organ, Esq. Despite COVID-19 safety risks, our Tenant Advocacy Project staff and volunteers continued Dinsmore & Shohl Organ Law to appear in person throughout the year providing representation to many of the 100 families and individuals scheduled for eviction hearings daily. That representation yielded John Boyer, Esq. The Honorable Jaiza N. Page incredible results: 50% kept their existing housing, and 99% avoided a judgment entry. Nationwide Insurance Franklin County Court of Common Pleas We saved an average of $463 per household, and added an average time of 12.5 days for Molly S. Crabtree, Esq. Deborah Pryce, Esq. those who had to move to find housing and avoid homelessness. Porter Wright Morris & Arthur Ice Miller

We shifted staff to address the 597% increase in unemployment compensation issues. Brenda J. Drake, Esq. Frank A. Ray, Esq. Frank A. Ray, Co. We worked on individual cases, but also systemically addressed barriers to access Nicol Ghazi including for those who have Limited English Proficiency. Muslim Family Services of Ohio Lisa Pierce Reisz, Esq. Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease LASC remained proactive in its advocacy as well as providing legal support for local John P. Gilligan, Esq. Ice Miller low-income businesses; using nuisance abatements to increase the stock of affordable Jesse Rowe Plante Moran quality housing; and litigating systemic issues such as the improper use of affidavits in Jonathan Grey, Esq. evictions and the failure to provide appointed counsel in adoption cases. US Attorney’s Office for Southern Leah Sellers, Esq. District of Ohio Sellers Law While much of 2020 was uncertain, our representation and advocacy remained strong John C. Hartranft, Sr., Esq. Anne Marie Sferra, Esq. in large part because of your support — and for that — we are incredibly grateful. Bricker & Eckler Michelle Heritage Community Shelter Board Marion Smithberger Sincerely, Columbus Bar Foundation J. Todd Kennard, Esq. Jones Day Debra Willet, Esq. Janica Pierce Tucker Cardinal Health LASC Board Chair Tanya L. Long Community Representative Sue Wolfe Kathleen C. McGarvey Community Development for All People Jane Higgins Marx, Esq. Executive Director Carlile Patchen & Murphy Board of Trustees Janica A. Pierce Tucker, Esq., Chair Taft Stettinius & Hollister 22,593 PEOPLE HELPED IN 2020 9,681

10,011 total cases Children 10,786 Adults 17% increase FPO in the number of clients 1,796 with no income between 2019 and 2020. 44+488 Seniors 15% decrease “My experience with Legal Aid was amazing.” in the number of clients —LASC client with income over $50,000 between 2019 and 2020. PANDEMIC EXACERBATES FRANKLIN COUNTY HOUSING CRISIS LASC Housing Team Stops Evictions with On-site Help

In a city where rising housing costs leave many people on the verge LASC attorneys were quick to utilize new legal developments, including of missing a rent payment in normal times, the COVID-19 pandemic the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) eviction moratorium, to prevent severely worsened Columbus’ eviction crisis. Thousands of tenants families from losing their homes and risking their health by doubling suddenly lost jobs, and without savings, were forced to make up with family members or moving into a shelter during the pandemic. unimaginable choices about whether to buy groceries, pay utility Despite the CDC’s “eviction moratorium,” evictions did not stop. bills or pay rent. While Franklin County Municipal Court paused In Franklin County, renters — including families, people with health eviction hearings from mid-March through May 31, it continued to conditions and senior citizens — received court orders to leave their accept eviction filings. When the court re-opened for hearings at the homes. Tenants must proactively invoke the moratorium in order to Columbus Convention Center on June 1, officials faced a backlog benefit from it—and many are unaware of its protections. Some tenants of more than 1,000 cases, each representing a tenant who would who apply the moratorium still lose their case, meaning they will be now face the loss of their housing during a global health crisis. The put out of their home as soon as the moratorium expires. building, which had initially been outfitted as a field hospital to help COVID-19 patients, was repurposed to hold socially distanced hearings “The moratorium has been implemented poorly,” said Marcus Roth, to determine whether landlords could evict their tenants. Since its re- communications and development director at the Coalition on opening, eviction court has processed about 100 cases every single day. Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. “People have to know about it. They have to apply for it. The damage evictions have on families and With its court-based legal clinic, the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP), children can be really long term.” LASC was well-positioned to address this crisis and prevent hundreds of families from being thrown out of their homes. TAP moved its Nonetheless, through community education and outreach efforts operations to the Convention Center, allowing LASC attorneys and and its daily presence advocating for tenants, LASC has remained on volunteers to represent clients in their eviction cases the same day they the front lines of the effort to keep low-income tenants safely housed signed up for services. Recognizing the importance of this work, the city during this unprecedented time of risk and uncertainty. of Columbus funded five new temporary attorneys to work at the clinic.

At right: Franklin County Eviction Court at the Columbus Convention Center.

TAP Helps Single Mother Keep Home Social Worker Helps Address Root Cause When Umu Conteh contracted COVID-19, of Housing Issues it upended her life. The single mother of two daughters aged 1 and 4 lost her job LASC social worker Chris Kelly, who joined the and income. Conteh, who immigrated to the housing team in late 2019, plays a critical role U.S. from Sierra Leone, supported her girls by at eviction court. He refers tenants to agencies working nights as a nursing assistant. Although that can help with rent, assists those who are she cut back on food and other expenses, she evicted in finding new homes, and intercedes fell behind on rent. In September, she opened in cases where clients may have mental health her door and discovered an eviction notice. conditions or other barriers that make it diffi- cult for them to secure stable housing. Many Unsure and afraid, she sought help from TAP. Attorney Patsy Thomas assisted her in getting people who come to court need additional rental assistance. Her landlord accepted the back rent and withdrew the eviction case. help navigating the system, said Robby South- Conteh, who recently renewed her lease with help from Thomas, has found another job ers, managing attorney for the Franklin County and feels confident in her ability to support her family. She’s grateful that LASC helped Municipal Court Self Help Resource Center. keep her family safe. “I really appreciate you,” she said. “You put joy in my heart.” “Social work services are essential,” he said. “Many people who we refer to a social worker have fallen behind on rent because there are Between September and December, more than 4,000 other things going on. Chris does a fantastic evictions were filed in Franklin County Municipal Court. job making sure everyone gets the services they need. Addressing these other issues Fewer than 20 were halted by the CDC moratorium. makes it possible for attorneys to better represent the client.”

Above: Umu Conteh with her daughter Appellate Court Rules Landlords Must Give Testimony in Eviction Trials

For more than 30 years, Franklin County landlords were able to evict tenants by simply slipping an affidavit into the court file rather than presenting a live witness at trial. In September, a ruling by the Tenth District Court of Appeals halted the decades-long practice that no other courts in a major Ohio city allowed. Requiring landlords to appear makes the eviction process more equitable for tenants and also increases opportunities for the parties to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. The decision inT&R Properties v. Wimberly overrides a long-standing policy in eviction court that allowed land- lords or property managers to plead their case via affidavit while tenants were required to be present for the trial. The ruling follows an appeal filed by LASC in August 2019 on behalf of Traci Wimberly. LASC represented Wimberly, a single mother of two, who was evicted from her Canal Winchester apartment during a court hearing where neither she nor her landlord were present. LASC argued that landlords have to present live witness testimony at trial just like any other plaintiff involved in a court proceeding. Nine social service agencies, the city of Columbus, and the Columbus Women’s Commission filed amicus briefs in support of Wimberly, arguing that parties should be treated fairly and equally, which includes requiring both parties to call witnesses to prove their case at trial. In its decision, the Tenth District Court of Appeals found that the rules of court requiring live testimony apply to eviction cases. Eviction judgments can no longer be issued based on affidavit alone. “I had lost hope,” Wimberly said. “Just the simple experience with Legal Aid alone gave me the motivation I needed to finish the race I started. Thanks for supporting families you don’t know a thing about. What you guys do there makes a difference.”

“When a family loses stable housing, everything is thrown into chaos,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This decision represents real and tangible change to a system that disproportionately impacts single women, especially women of color. I am grateful to the Columbus Women’s Commission and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus for their diligent work on an issue that has become even more critical in the time of COVID-19.” COVID-19 RELATED JOB LOSSES OVERWHELM UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM, INCREASE LASC BENEFITS WORK Pregnant Woman Moves Out of Homeless Shelter with LASC Help

Tunisia Powell was referred to LASC by her healthcare provider in July Michel paired up with paralegal following a prenatal appointment where she shared that she was Ashlie Sefchick and volunteer having an issue collecting unemployment. At the time of her referral, law clerk Sam DeWitt to gather she was nearing her due date and living in a homeless shelter. The the required paperwork mother of five lost her job in April. Although she had applied for and forward it to the Ohio unemployment compensation, she had not received any money. Department of Job and Family Services. A little over a week LASC Attorney Kristy Michel reviewed the case and determined that later, LASC received an update Powell was one of more than 270,000 people whose application that Powell’s case was resolved. was erroneously flagged as a potential fraud case in July 2020. The Within a few days she began misidentification barred eligible applicants like Powell from receiving receiving a weekly benefit benefits they were entitled to from the federal unemployment of $189, as well as back-pay, compensation program. To resolve the issue, Powell needed to submit a totaling more than $13,000. Tunisia Powell variety of documents to prove her identity and employment history.

Our effort resulted in: Unemployment cases • Payouts of $450,169 in back benefits increased 600%. • The distribution of $1,369,179.60 in weekly benefits • ODJFS writing off $11,444 in overpaid benefits due to ODJFS error COVID-19 Causes Record Unemployment Numbers

When COVID-19 related restrictions on business operations and social gatherings began in March, LASC saw an immediate increase in requests for assistance with unemployment compensation cases. Attorneys experienced in unemployment law quickly put together resources to train other staff attorneys and volunteers to handle the cases.

Requests for help continued as the pandemic stretched into summer and fall LASC Connects Barber to Needed and Ohio’s unemployment rate hit record numbers. Laid-off workers sought help Benefits After Pandemic Shutters Shop navigating the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unemployment system, which was not up to the task of processing the surge of applications. Online Anthony Kelso, owner of Kelso’s Barber Shop, was forced to shut applicants routinely had difficulty resetting their PIN in order to access the system, down his business because of pandemic restrictions against which delayed payments. Those without internet access struggled to reach ODJFS personal services. He filed for unemployment, but after three representatives by phone. Callers routinely reported getting disconnected after waiting months of trying to contact ODJFS, he never received any on hold for hours. money. Worried he would be evicted, he put his belongings in storage and moved in with family. Clients also needed help accessing new programs created to address hardships caused by the pandemic. In addition to traditional unemployment compensation benefits, Finally, he reached out to LASC. The public benefits team alerted federal COVID-19 relief bills created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for ODJFS to Kelso’s situation and worked with them to resolve the individuals who were directly impacted by COVID-19 and who would otherwise not issue. After months of waiting, he received nearly $20,000 in be eligible for benefits — self-employed individuals, contract workers, or those with back benefits. insufficient work histories. “If it weren’t for your legal team stepping up and helping, I By year’s end, 12 LASC attorneys were handling unemployment cases in some capacity don’t know how long I would have waited,” said Kelso, who and a total of 33 volunteers participated in the unemployment pro bono program. recently started a business selling t-shirts. “I don’t know how Together they handled nearly 600 unemployment cases, helping clients obtain more much longer I could have held on. I’m just glad you guys were than $450,000 in backdated benefits and more than $1.3 million in weekly benefits. there to help.” LEGAL AID EXPANDS OUTREACH DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19 Response Includes Virtual Clinics, Videos, Social Media Campaigns

When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the state’s first stay-at-home Staff created informational brochures highlighting everything from order in March, LASC immediately looked for innovative ways to connect obtaining emergency food benefits and preventing utility shut-offs to with low-income Ohioans and help them access the critical services to avoiding scams and following custody rules. Renters, laid-off workers, keep a roof overhead and food on the table. We knew our individual students, parents and other individuals — as well as community groups clients as well as our many partner agencies would turn to us for help and the media — utilized this information, which we continuously posted understanding the impact of the pandemic, accessing much-needed and updated on a COVID-19 information page on the website. benefits and navigating new programs intended to help. LASC quickly Our COVID-19 work group used these documents to develop social identified an alternative to in-person clinics, launched a COVID-19 page media posts highlighting the most critical information. The team also on our website and developed numerous informational social media and recorded videos through a branded “Helping from Home” effort to clearly video campaigns. explain the complicated steps to protect a mortgage, invoke the Centers In mid-March, LASC and our sister organization, Southeastern Ohio Legal for Disease Control moratorium and resolve other common issues with Services, became the first legal aid programs in the state to convert all landlords. clinics to a virtual model. Volunteer attorneys consulted with clients LASC and SEOLS also partnered with other Ohio legal aids in two during scheduled phone calls. They fielded questions from individuals statewide social media campaigns. In September, the legal aids who had lost jobs and were worried about making rent and mortgage launched the #LostInTheSystem campaign designed to draw attention payments, and counseled essential workers trying to feed their families to ongoing issues with the state’s unemployment compensation and keep their utilities on while enduring a wage garnishment. Other system and inform struggling Ohioans that free help was available. In callers had concerns about divorces, wills and custody agreements. October, during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Ohio legal aids again In the midst of widespread confusion about unemployment joined forces to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning and a compensation and tenant rights in May, members of the public benefits concerning decrease in the number of children undergoing lead testing and housing teams participated in a call-in television show hosted by an during the pandemic. NBC affiliate to answer questions from viewers. Throughout the pandemic, staff from LASC and SEOLS worked side by side on outreach and communication efforts to maximize their limited resources while responding to the needs of a large and diverse audience. The partnership allowed us to quickly share general updates with the entire region while still maintaining a local focus, and when necessary, compile detailed information for individual communities with more specific concerns.

Work Continues to Assist Other Nonprofits Focused on Helping Low-income Families Thrive LASC expanded its work empowering other organizations committed to serving low-income individuals. Through an Ohio Access to Justice Foundation grant, we provided legal support to nonprofits and small businesses that are addressing community needs and working to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods. Attorneys provided legal assistance to EJ’s Warrior Karate Academy in Columbus. In addition to teaching martial arts, the studio, which is located in a low-income neighborhood, helps stabilize families. Students receive lessons on developing self-confidence, building relationships and maintaining healthy lifestyles, said program founder Ellis “EJ” Jennings. To assist families during the pandemic, Jennings provided workspace and Wi-Fi access for children whose parents could not oversee their schooling because of work or whose household was not connected to the Internet. Jennings worked with local schools to provide breakfast and lunch. Applying martial arts principles to schoolwork had a positive impact on many of the program participants. Several students who previously struggled with academics made the honor roll or received awards for perfect attendance. “It’s created hope for the kids,” Jennings said. “It expands their mind and makes them think about the future. They think, ‘Maybe I can do this.’”

At left: Children completing schoolwork at EJ’s Warrior Karate Academy At right: Ellis “EJ” Jennings Study Finds Racial Discrimination Rarely Addressed In Military Discharge Upgrades

A study by LASC attorney Karin Nordstrom found that the military boards The study, which looks at discharge upgrade decisions between 2010 charged with addressing veterans’ discharge upgrade requests grant and 2020, reveals that upgrades based on racial trauma occur in less claims on the basis of racial discrimination at a lower rate than their than 17 percent of the cases—with most rates far lower. Each branch of overall grant rate. Aware of the systemic and cultural racism that is an the military has two boards that decide discharge upgrade requests. evident component of the military’s history, Nordstrom sought to dive Discharge Review Boards (DRB) handle petitions from Veterans within 15 into how such unjust practices have impacted Black veterans. Her study, years of their discharge. Veterans with an older discharge or who were No Justice, No Peace: The Military’s Failure to Repair Racial Trauma denied by the DRB apply to a Board for Correction of Military Records. of Black Veterans, shines a light on trends that desperately warrant “Unlike most administrative and civil courts that place statutes modification and the need for greater accountability throughout the of limitation on a victim’s ability to seek redress from employee military. It was conducted in partnership with Horace Walker, National discrimination or harassment, members of the military have an almost Association of Minority Veterans, Chapter Commander and Tziporah unlimited time frame to request a remedy. The military is in a unique Tiller, Ohio State University student. position in that it could use its lenient time frame policy to make amends for a long history of racial discrimination in the armed forces,” Nordstrom explained. “Hopefully, this is the start of an ongoing conversation about the role of the corrections boards and their handling of racial trauma claims.”

Report Findings | Percentage Grant Rate for Racial Trauma Claim

Army Navy & Marines Air Force Discharge Review Boards: Discharge Review Boards: Discharge Review Boards: 11.54 0 5

Board for Correction Board for Correction Board for Correction of Military Records: of Naval Records: of Military Records: 6.73 0 16.67 Ohio High Court Finds in Favor of LASC: Indigent Parents Must Have Counsel in Adoption Proceedings

The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled in the judge continued it to a later date. Before the hearing could be restarted, December that indigent parents facing the Starkey, with the help of LASC and its sister organization, Southeastern loss of their parental rights in adoption Ohio Legal Services, began a legal challenge claiming that indigent parents proceedings in probate court are entitled to facing the loss of their parental rights in probate court should receive the appointed counsel just like indigent parents same right to counsel provided to indigent parents in juvenile court. facing the termination of their parental In December, the Supreme Court of Ohio agreed, saying: “We conclude rights in juvenile court. that R.C. 2152.352 is unconstitutionally underinclusive as applied to The case of In re Adoption of Y.E.F., Slip indigent parents facing the loss of their parental rights in probate court Opinion No. 2020-Ohio-6785 involves … we declare that indigent parents are entitled to counsel in adoption Erica Starkey, the mother of twin boys born proceedings in probate court as a matter of equal protection under the law in 2014. When their father emptied the family’s bank account and fled of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article the area in April 2015 to avoid being arrested for a federal crime, Starkey 1, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution.” asked the father’s sister and her husband to care for the children. Although Starkey, who thought she was doing what was best for her children during Starkey intended that the arrangement be temporary, the aunt and uncle a bad time, wept when she learned of the decision. “This is the most joy I sought custody of the twins. Even though she was awarded visitation rights, have felt in years,” she said. “It’s been a the aunt and uncle denied her requests. long time since I cried tears of happiness. In April 2018, the aunt and uncle filed petitions in Delaware County Probate I hope this will help other mothers and Court to adopt the twins. Prior to the hearing, Starkey filed a request for fathers. No parent should have to endure appointed counsel and included a letter from LASC raising the question the pain of not seeing their children.” of why indigent parents defending their rights are treated differently depending on whether the action occurs in a probate or juvenile court. The court denied the mother’s request and scheduled an adoption hearing. During the hearing, Starkey again asserted her desire for an attorney. She At left: LASC assisted Navy Veteran Jenkins Smith in his efforts to obtain a discharge upgrade. told the court: “I didn’t know that this would be a whole cross-examination ... maybe I should get an attorney.” When testimony in the case ran long, At right: Erica Starkey Financials

2020 Revenue $8,260,000

Grants 75.1% Contributions 7% PPP Loan Forgiven 12.1% Investment Income 5.2% Attorney Fees/Other 0.6% 75+12751 100.0% 2020 Expenses $6,630,000

Legal Program 90.6% General & Administrative 7.3% Fundraising 2.1% 93+52 100.0% Financials Donors United Way of Central Ohio $10,000 - $19,999 Dr. Michael and Brenda Drake $50,000 - $99,999 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Hexion, Inc. - Racial Justice Work $2 Million - $3 Million Franklin County Office on Aging – Senior American College of Bankruptcy James E. Arnold & Associates, LP Legal Services Corporation Options Julia Backoff Marion County Foundation Ohio Access to Justice Foundation GUND Foundation Bricker & Eckler Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services

John Gilligan SourcePoint $200,000 - $500,000 $20,000 - $49,999 Harry C. Moores Foundation United Way of Delaware County City of Columbus Alvis House Ice Miller, LLP Columbus Foundation American Electric Power Jones Day $2,500-$4,999 Patricia R. Forman Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP David Alexander $100,000 - $199,999 Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Stanley R. Ross Anonymous ADAMH Board of Franklin County Programs United Way of Union County Rhodes and Lisa Baker Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging – Title III National Health Law Foundation Battelle - Corporate Match Franklin County Department of Job and Nationwide Foundation Family Services – Title XX $5,000-$9,999 Stephen Buchenroth Ohio State Bar Foundation Nationwide Children’s Hospital Area Agency on Aging, Ohio District 5 Cardinal Health Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP Ohioans for Better Birth Outcomes Larry Babich Steven L. and Sandra P. Faulkner Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP United States Department of Justice – Bailey Cavalieri Catriona R. Itani, Honor of Stuart Itani Supreme Court of Ohio Victims of Crime Act, Violence Against BakerHostetler Patrick Jarvis Women Act United Way of North Central Ohio Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff Kathleen Lawrence United States Internal Revenue Service Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Dinsmore & Shohl Nationwide Zane Neilsen IFF Shalom Grants Jewish Columbus Mina and Jam Khorrami

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Weiler Kevin and Allie Irwin Melissa Trusken, Brandon J. Lester

Mark Whitt JP Morgan Chase Peter and Jane Welin Richard Louke

Adam Winter Judge Preisse Re-Election Matthew White Alexander Main

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$1,000-$2,400 Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter Christina McIntyre

Allen Stovall Neuman Fisher & Ashton LLP George Knight $500-$999 Shannon Mitchell

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Lawrence Baum Jan Legg Steve Chappelear Janica Pierce Tucker

Sally Bloomfield Andrew Marvie Deborah Crawford Victoria Powers

John Boyer McDonald Hopkins Credit Education Coalition Kristina Redgrave

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Susan Thompson BalletMet Michele Bogden, Honor of Dennis Bogden Matthew Carberry

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Sandra Anderson Steve Beshuk Diane Brusnighan Clay Café

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Jamie McKenna Jennifer Mountcastle Amy Phillips-Gary Rachel Rubey

McKesson - Corporate Match Matthew Mowry Denise Pleska Lucas Ruffing

Jay Meglich, Memory of Grant Saale Sheryl Munson PNC Foundation - Corporate Match Rusty Bucket

David Melcer Lisa Murray Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Laura Saale Recognition of Client Cardinal Health, Inc Sheana Mershon Kara Newbury Kristin Sabgir Susan Post Corey Meyer Newfangled Kitchen Joshua Sadvari Christy Prince Meza Wine Shop Imran Nuri Ms. Susannah Sagan and Dr. Andrew Katz Callie Query Mikey’s Late Night Slice Adannaya Nzeogu Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center Matthew Raby, Honor of Moritz Class of Moyo Mitchell Stephanie Ockerman Bethany Sanders 2016 Zachery Moats The Honorable Colleen O’Donnell Amelia Sanes Elizabeth Ramos Modo Yoga Columbus Ejkameuwa Okafor Joan T. Sant, Honor of Dianna Parker Sarah Reigel Tracy Moebius Jara L. Oliver Tom Sant, Honor of Joan Sant Cailin Richard A. William Moesta Vivian Opelt Barbara Sapharas, Memory of Scott Timothy Riedel Benson Kay Molt Kate Ormiston Jennifer L. Robb Bridget Schenk Kimberlee Montgomery Nathan Osborn Elizabeth Robbins Samantha Scherger Megan Mooney Dianna Parker Margaret Roberts, Honor of Kate McGarvey Dustin Schwab Avery Moore PayPal Giving Fund Julie Roberts Cary and Karen Seidman, Memory of Scott Darlene Morris Debbie and John Perantoni, Memory of Root 23 Simple Syrups Benson Scott Benson Shadowbox Live Lily Steckman Meghan Tubbs Erica S. Wicks

Peter M. Shane Brad Steinmetz, Memory of George Floyd Seth Turoff Deborah Wiedwald

Kelsey Shannahan John Stieg James Uanhoro Debra Willet

Madeline Shaw Heather Stockwell Urban Emporium Sue Wolfe, Honor of Phil Moots

Sean Sheehan Hilary Stone Zach Usmani Jarrod Wood

Kathleen Sherer Sara Strattan Jon Walden Wood & Brewer, LLC.

Marshall Shields Bradley Strickling Brenn Waldman-Hinderliter, Honor of Scott Woodling Joshua Hinderliter Adam Shirey Stump William Woods Christine Walkup Melissa Shoultz Joseph Styborski, Memory of Thomas J. Jonathon Wright Gerken Benjamin L. Wallace Angela Siefer Eileen Wukusick Sara Sukalich and Matthew Mingione Thomas and Elizabeth Weeks Jennifer Simon Elizabeth Yassenoff Megan Sullivan Garth S. Weitham Eric Skidmore Yoga on High Tom Sussi Emily Brisco Welter Skin Perfect Image Wellness Spa Shawnee Zahard Hamilton J. Teaford Les Wendel Krista Skipper The Hershey Company - Corporate Match Wendy’s Kelly B. Smith The Smithery Heather Whaling Jordan Smith Nelda Thomas-Wilhite, Title III - Marion Roger Whitaker Marion Smithberger Whitney Thompson John White, Memory of Scott Benson Beatrice Sowald Victor Thorne Mary P. White Kelli M. Stammen Throw Nation David M. Whittaker 2020 Pro Bono Awards

Corporate/Firm Expanding Extraordinary Pro Bono Pro Bono Pro Bono Our Impact Service - Individual Support Keesha Hannah Kevin Deborah Warmsby Botkin-Doty Duffy Crawford Volunteers Ted Babich Ian Betts Aaron Bruggeman Susan Choe James Coutinho Lawrence Babich David Bhaerman Dann Bruno Ann Marie Christ Michael Cox James Abrams Shannon Baldwin Audrey Bidwell Kristin Bryant Lynda Clark Caroline Cox Verjine Adanalian William Ballam Sarah Biehl Olivia Burdette Joseph Clark Molly Crabtree Bentley Adkins Kayli Bardy Peggy Blackmore James Burnes Patrick Clark Danielle Crane Kofi Agyepong Ghezal Barghouty David Bloomfield Miriam Burroughs Katherine Clark Deborah Crawford Conner Ahler Patrick Barnacle Sally Bloomfield Claire Butler Grace Clark Casey Cross Apps Akpofure Abigail Barr Alisa Boles Thomas Byrne Rachel Clark Amy Crossin Becca Alexander Julia Barragate Kelley Boller Jennifer CaJacob Patrick Cleary Rachel Crowl Justine Allen Steve Barsotti Carlie Boos Alex Calnon Taylor Clewell Caitlyn Cunningham Sean Alto Amy Bartemes Dylan Borchers Christopher Calpin Holly Coats Emily Cunningham Joana Amopfo Jeff Bartolozzi Casteel Borsay John Cannizzaro Stefanie Coe Christopher Curley Doug Anderson Nadia Bashir Arlene Boruchowitz Rosina Caponi Marshall Cohen Chris Curry Samantha Anderson Gillian Bateyunga Hannah Botkin-Doty Rose Carlyon Robert Cohen Christine Cushman Joseph Antel Jennifer Baughman Brooke Bowerman Kendra Carpenter Karen Cohn Kristina Dahmann Betty Appell Howard Baumwell Heidi Bowles Sandra Carrillo Joseph Colburn Alyssa Daley Justin Applegate Alyssa Beck Carolyn Boyce Allen Carter Christopher Collado Anthony Damelio Josh Ard Eric Becker Katy Brewer Maribeth Case Beth Collis Allison Dang Elizabeth Arentz Ryan Bednarczuk Emily Brewer Cassandra Casto John Coming Ric Daniell Jocelyn Armstrong Jason Beehler Margaret Brewer Lisa Catlett Roy Conners Helena D’Arms Veronica Armstrong Shandra Behrens Lily Brickman Dennis Cauchon Kimberly Conroy Noelle Daumeyer Sarah Arnold Jordan Belcastro Jennifer Brisco Christal Caudill Jon Cook Jack D’Aurora Maggie Ash Ken Bellaire Michelle Brizes Giuseppe Cespedes Guylynn Cook Carolyn Davis Emily Asher Yass Benis Blaine Brockman Sophia Chang Elizabeth Cooke Logan Davis Rick Ashton Melonia Bennett John Brody Eric Cheng Ben Cooper Shannon Dawes Angela Atamas James Berendsen Christopher Brown Pearl Chin Paula Copeland Helen De Almeida Karen Augenstein Katherine Berger Ruby Brown LaMonica Chivers Mary Coridan Michalea Delaveris Martin Baba Robert Bergman Christian Brown Stephanie Chmiel Peggy Corn Danielle Demming Patrick Denier Steve Elliot Blake Gerstner Bobby Handley Tiffany Hess Sara Jodka Noelle DeRiso Charles Ellis Camille Gill Stephanie Hanna Kevin Hidas Eric Johnson Patrick Devine Lauren Emery Kyle Gillam James Hanneman Elizabeth Hill Felicia Johnson Samuel DeWitt Abby Engelhart John Gilligan Victoria Hanohano-Hong Josh Hinderliter Emily Johnston Ryan DeYoung Lisa Eschleman Kaitlyn Gilson Ann Hansen David Hodges Somalia Jones Matthew Diaz Suzanne Estep Jane Gleaves Nita Hanson Bradley Hoffman Brian Jordan Jessica Ditullio Halle Farber Sarina Glick Elaine Hanson Rodney Holaday Kim Jordan Lewis Dolezal Sue Fauber Kenneth Goldberg Howard Harcha IV Princess Hollingsworth Mark Jump Regan Donoughe Grace Feldmiller Andrew Good Michael Hardesty James Holtzmuller Laura Jurcevich Jessica Doogan Mary Kay Fenlon Kate Graham Eryka Harper Jim Hopple Brighton Kahrs Robert Dorans Fran Figetakis Megan Graham Felice Harris Chuqing Huang Tami Kamin Meyer Monica Dorman Mark Fisher Kiriaki Grammenidis Rachel Harris Margaret Huck Jerry Kasai Troy Doucet Judith Fisher Katharine Granger Allison Harrison Ahmad Huda Alexander Keen Brian Doyle-Wenger James Flaherty Hannah Grayem Cathrine Harshman Cynthia Hudson Bill Kelley Eleana Drakatos Gabriel Fletcher Eliza Green Tenesha Hartgrove Jasmin Hurley Donna Kelley Brian Dressel Brian Flick Susan Grom Christopher Hartman W. James Hutchins Suzanne Kelly Brandon Duck Amy Flowers Joseph Guenther Karen Hartman A. Robert Hutchins John Kennedy Kevin Duffy James Flynn David Guerrieri Sam Harton Veronica Iglesias Dalia Khamis Andrew Dugan Monica Fox John Guldin John Hartranft Anora Ignaci Corey Khan Laura Dulay Daniel Fox Daniel Gurtner Keria Haugabrook Athena Inembolidis Mina Khorrami Debra Dunkerley Christine Frankart Maria Guthrie Brian Hazel David Ingram Todd D. Kilpatrick Sean Dunn Kirsten Fraser Haleigh Hamad Brian Henderson Ashley Ingram Agatha Kingsley-Emeh Jack Dunn Connie French Orsolya Hamar-Hilt Andrew Henricks Brooke Isabel Edward Kirk Madeline Easdale Robert Fuller Christina Hambleton Kristen Henry Jeanna Jacobus Barry Kiser Jenna Ebersbacher Chuck Gall Karen Hamilton William Hensley Michael Jarosi Sean Klammer Tom Eck Christopher Gallutia Patrick Hamilton Ellie Henze Rochelle Jefferis Michael Klamo Zachary Eddy Christopher Gawronski Brookes Hammock Kara Herrnstein Mackenzie Jensen Jared Klaus Joel Elkin Susan Gellman Jiwon Han Patti Heslep Diana Jia Ted Klecker Stephanie Klimack Ambrosia Logsdon Bill Mattes JoEllen Minchak Lindsay Oak Sherry Phillips Scott Kovach Astrid Long-Kellough Alexander Maxwell Kelsey Mincheff Constance Obermeyer Kaci Philpot Martin Samuel Krauss Latashia Love Hannah McCarthy Greg Mitchell Claire O’Hern Joseph Pickens Pamela Krivda Dara Lucas Lorie McCaughan Amina Mohamed Kaylee Oiler Janica Pierce Tucker Geoffrey Kunkler Barbara Lucks Larry McClatchey Andrea Montler Kevin Oles Brandi Pikes Sheree Lamendola Daliya Ludascher Kieran McCleese Vincent Mora Erica Olivares-Vincent Elliot Ping Cindi Lane Sarah Lynn Kelly McCloud Michael Morgan Jonathan Olivito Tim Pivetz Matt Langhals Taylor MacDonald Toure’ Lumumba McCord Dennis Morrison Osita Onyia Tameca Plair Rachel Lawless Monique Madison Carter McCormick Judith Moss Vivian Opelt Denise Pleska Kathleen Lawrence Pamela Maggied Madison McDowell Liz Mote Shawn Organ Lauren Pogaznik Sherri Lazear Jack Maib John McGahee E. Dennis Muchnicki Hannah O’Rourke William Pohlman John Leach Motaz Mandili Samantha McGuire Brittany Munn Larissa Osborn Sarah Pollyea James Lee Sergey Mangayan Matthew McKibbin Sheryl Munson Jody Oster Alex Pomerants Irma Leon-Gonzalez Katherine Manghillis Elizabeth McKinley-Watkins David Murphey Matthew Oyster Gerald Porter Kristen Lepionka Shelby Mann William Meadows Chris Murphy Christopher Page Valarie Potell Miranda Leppla Mathias Manner Linda Meeks Deborah Murray Alyssa Painter Renee Potts Brandon Lester Breeanna Marion David Melcer Stanley Myers Kysten Palmore Liddy Potts Alyson Letsky Bailey Markowski Diane Menashe Shannon Nannapaneni Donna Parisi Victoria Powers Bill Levendusky Shana Marks Jetta Mencer Scott Needleman James Park Tara Price Kristen Lewis Sarah Marshall Andrew Merwine Abigail Nelson Devin Parram Christy Prince James Lewis George Martin Walter Messenger Laura Nesbitt Alexandra Parriman Phillip Pullig Samantha Lewis Caitlyn Martin Jane Messmer David Neubauer Nuurah Parsons Clement Pyles Shing Lin Kaitlynn Martin Toni Metcalf-Henry Brendan Newcomb Debra Pastorek Callie Query Danielle Linert Andrew Marvin Elizabeth Miceli Randall Norris Suhani Patel Elizabeth Rader Lathan Lipperman Jane Marx Alyson Miles Josh North Maxim Perel Mazen Rasoul Carlin Littles Joseph Maskovyak Alicia Miller Jake Novack Stephanie Pestello Sharf Robert Ratchford Davin Lloyd Alexander Mate Candace Milner Nicole Novotny Colin Peters Lydia Reback Constance Reinhard Dan Sabol Miles Sibley Scott Sugarman Tim Tucker Emily White Dean Reinhard Laila Saleh Erin Siegfried David Sutton Patricia Tweel Jay Wilson Michael Renne Jeff Sanborn Gabriel Siegle James Sweeney Michael Urban Joseph Winner Rodney Reuscher Anthony Santana Inna Simakovsky Christopher Tamms Samuel Usmani Delanie Wiseman Kenneth Richards Amrita Anna Sanyal Helen Simpson Erin Tapke Sara Valentine Don Wolery Curtis Richardson Fred Scharf Carly Sinclair Eric Tarbox Anne Valentine Bonnie Wolf Victoria Riley Teresa Scharf Philip Sineneng Kaila Taylor Jessica Van Ranken Sue Wolfe David Roark Joseph Schick Prarthana Singh E. Jane Taylor Joseph Van’t Hooft Barry Wolinetz Elizabeth Roberto Emma Schmiesing Julia Sivertson Myron Terlecky Mary Jo Vara Brian Wood Terrance Roberts Larae Schraeder Bryan Smeenk Ellen Terry Vincene Verdun Nicole Woods Douglas Roberts Jesse Scott Kelsey Smith Patsy Thomas Jen Vessells Jacob Worrel Lindsey Roberts Peter Scranton Jennifer Smith Rai Thompson Cynthia Vivekanandam Kia Wrice Demetrius Robinson Sam Seeds Matthew Smith Caleb Thompson Anne Vogel Angela Writesel Rachel Robinson James Seguin Lydia Smith Pamela Thurston Benjamin Walberg Guozhen Xie Jill Rodman Tad Semons Rachel Smoot Tziporah Tiller Christine Walkup Yexinyu Yang Arsenio Rodriguez Jacob Semus Jonathon Snell Jaci Tipton Noah Walusis Isabella Zak Dexter Roettker Anthony Senick Jed Sonstroem Andre Tirado Greta Warmbier Crystal Zellar Courtlyn Roser-Jones Colleen Settineri Beatrice Sowald Ben Tobias Keesha Warmsby Ningjiao Zhang Hannah Ross Anne Marie Sferra Richard Spence Susan Tobin Nicholas Warner Violette Zhou Mara Roth Nicholas Sgroi Jhay Spottswood Brea Tolbert Kristin Watson Matthew Zofchak Aarron Rothey Tom Shafirstein Kishala Srivastava Katharine Toledo Winifred Weaver Michael Zuckerman Cynthia Roy Rena Shak Brandi Staley Jessica Tom Chris Weber Rachel Zupan Eric Roytman Alicia Shaw Kassandra Stewart Phong Trinh Erica Wellman Lucas Ruffing Derek Shaw Herbert Strayer Saša Trivunić Rachel Wenning Katelyn Rust Yeonsun Shin Bradley Strickling Madison Troyer Molly Werhan Grace Saalman Gwen Short Austin Strohacker Sheryl Trzaska Kevin Werner Kristin Sabgir David Shouvlin Cassandra Struble Carson Tucker Larissa West I felt afraid and helpless. [My attorney] guided me through the negotiations and gave me a voice in ending an over

30-year-long nightmare. I feel free. For so long, I was stressed and afraid and ashamed, and now it is over.

Thank you!”

—LASC client Follow us on social media G facebook.com/ColumbusLegalAid Ö twitter.com/LASColumbus

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